Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.21 2021-22

‘Baddies’ done good!
Badshot Lea 1 Mortimer Ladies 0
Badshot Lea clinched the Thames Valley
Counties League Division One title with four
matches to spare and maintained their perfect
league record in an afternoon of celebration at
their Wrecclesham home ground.
However, they were made to work
extremely hard for the three points needed to
seal the deal by a defiant Mortimer team who
made light of their lowly position in the table to
frustrate the champions elect at every turn. It
took a late penalty to end the Berkshire team's
resistance which was threatening to keep the
Badshot champagne on ice. Katy McNicholas attempts to hold off Nicky Telford
A strong gusty breeze blowing end to end (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
caused both sets of players difficulty and led to
a scrappy encounter, especially in the opening half. Mortimer, playing against the
wind, were resolute in defence and the hosts barely threatened Kat Brown's goal until
right on the break. Indeed it was Mortimer who had the first two efforts on target well
dealt with by Jordan Thompson.
The opening twenty minutes of the second half were largely similar with
Badshot struggling to put together any sort of fluent attacking threat and Mortimer
challenging for every loose ball with real intent. However, the hosts gradually started
to ramp up the pressure as their talented forwards began to find their form.
Brown saved well from Becky Munro and then Nicola Moore. who otherwise
had a fine game, shot high and wide when clear twelve yards out, the first time that
the Mortimer defence had been opened up in 70 minutes.
Encouraged by this, the home team pushed on urgently and finally the break
through came on 79 minutes. A quick through pass saw a last ditch tackle penalised
by a penalty and a hotly disputed red card for the Mortimer defender. After some
delay Moore stepped up to convert the crucial spot kick.
Apart from a late corner well defended, Badshot were able to see out the match
with style and twice nearly added to their lead to make the title safe. As it was, the final
whistle saw joyous scenes as their 12th victory in a row made Badshot uncatchable.
Mortimer. who had their own Division Two title celebrations last season, will
look to replicate the fine battling display in their remaining fixtures. With their
excellent facilities and good support, Badshot Lea will surely continue to thrive after
this outstanding season is completed.
Badshot Lea: Jordan Thompson, Shakira Day, Holly Montgomery, Danielle
Jones, Annabel Giles, Nicky Jefford, Eleanor Chambers, Megan Cotter, Nicola
Moore, Rebecca Munro, Marianne O’Byrne. Subs: Ashleigh Cotter, Deanna Taylor.
Mortimer Ladies: Kat Brown, Emily Williams, Jasmine Meichle, Leanne
Saunders, Chloe Griffiths, Jade Beaumont, Paige Stead, Laura McGiveron,
Samantha Nice, Katy McNicholas, Rebecca
Walker. Subs: Tammy Robinson, Saide
Gulliver, Alex Rooney, Louise Delaney.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 21 - 10 February 2022